Chester County’s Westtown School is launching its inaugural Garden Tour, featuring an evening reception and preview garden Party on Saturday, May 22nd. In addition, a self-guided tour of seven beautiful private gardens will follow on Sunday, May 23rd. Carol Trask, Westtown’s Special Events & Volunteer Manager, has the task of creating events that appeal to the Westtown community as well as the general public. “There is a beautiful variety of gardens on the tour, including a native meadow that was recently reestablished. We are really excited to offer this to the public as a wonderful weekend experience-and support our efforts at Westtown,” said Trask.

The evening reception on May 22nd will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at a historic 18th century farm and home, Hunter’s Hill. Westtown alum Charles Brock II offered his property as the backdrop to kickoff the tour-a 162-acre farm in Newtown Square that was part of an original grant by William Penn. “It’s only been owned by three families since the land was cleared in the early eighteenth century, which is pretty remarkable,” enthused Trask. On the property is the beautiful main stone house-one portion which was built in 1726. In 1758, the home was expanded and four years ago the Brock’s added on. Only on Saturday evening, with the preview party, will the public be able to participate in a guided tour of the Brock home with its fine art and antiques-while being entertained with historical information about the home and the area.
Talula’s Table of Kennett Square, specializing in freshly prepared seasonal and local food, will cater the Saturday evening event at Hunter’s Hill. The garden party will offer attendees an opportunity to preview photos of the gardens on the tour; meet the garden owners; and relax and celebrate with live music. Tickets for the Evening Reception & Preview Garden Party are $125 per person and include admission to all the gardens on Sunday, May 23rd.

The Inaugural Westtown School Garden Tour on Sunday, May 23rd will run from Noon to 5 p.m. Attendees may tour the gardens in Chester & Delaware Counties at their leisure. Each garden will have a featured artist. Boxed lunches are available for purchase. Tickets for the Sunday Garden Tour only are $25 per person or $100 for 5 tickets; bag lunches are $10 per person. For more information, visit www.westtown.edu/gardentour or contact Carol Trask, Westtown School Special Events Manager, at 610-399-7916 or carol.trask@westtown.edu.